Rapid-transit system



Dec. 31, 1929. A. ROWE RAPIDTRANSIT SYSTEM Filed Jan; 24, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet ATTORNEY? Dec. 31, 1929. ROWE 1,741,203

mum TRANSIT SYSTEM iled Jan. 24, 1927 4 Sheets-Shea; 2

A. L. ROWE RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM Filed Jan. 24, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet Dec. 31, 1929.

I N VEN TOR. Ambrose L. Rowe MTTORNEY.

Dec. 31, 1929. ows 1,741,203

RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM Filed Jan. 24, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 \n a! Q m INVENTOR. flmbroae Iowa.

\N a i BY fi W ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 31, 1929 PATET FFICE AMBROSE LEONARD ROWE, OF DETROIT, IVIICHIGAN RAPID-TRANSIT SYSTEM Application filed January 24, 1927. Serial No. 183,127.

My invention relates to a new and useful improvement in a rapid transit system and particularly an elevated system whereby there may be provided a means of rapid transit which may be economically constructed and free from undesirable noises.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a rapid transit system of this class in which electric wires, cables or other suitable electrical conductors may be extended on a superstructure in a manner as to retain these conductors in a position so as to be entirely safe from tampering by persons, and eliminate all danger to life on account of their presence. while at the same time, the cables or conductors may be encased in a weather-proof passage accessible at all times.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a superstructure whereby the road bed will be carried at a distance below the top flange of longitudinally extending girders so that the platform of the rolling stock Will be positioned with its bottom in substantially the same horizontal plane the upper edge 5 or flange of the girders.

Another object is the provision in a super structure of this kind of longitudinally extending girders so arranged and constructed as to pi cut the maximum resisting strength,

while at the same time, reducing the amount of material placed therein to a minimum.

Another object is the provision in a superstructure of this kind of a slab of reinforcing material which will also serve as a sound deadening member.

Another object is the provision of a superstructure having longitudinally extending passages formed therein for the extension of electrical conductors therethrough, and comn'uu'iicating with laterally and vertically ex' tending passage bearing members for permitting the carrying of the electric conductors to any desired position.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a superstructure of this class of a water supply system. thus permitting the use of the superstructure as a platform from which tire may be fought.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a rapid transit system of this kind 01" a superstructure having a roof which may be utilized as a landing surface for aeroplanes, and so constructed and arranged as to prevent the undue movement of the aeroplanes therefrom.

Another object oi the invention is the provision in a rapid transit system of this class of a superstructure having horizontally eX- tended girders lying in a vertical plane so constructed and arranged that the weight placed upon the girders and the cross beams connecting opposite girders will have a tendency to retain these girders in a vertical plane and resist either inward or outward thrusts delivered to the girders.

Another object is the provision in a rapid transit system of this class of a superstructure having a guide structure arranged so as to prevent the rolling stock being moved from the superstructure in case of derailment, wreck or the like.

Another object is the provision in a rapid transit System of this kind of a superstructure ha ing a plurality of conduit bearing columns adapted for atl'ording passages for extending cables or the like therethrough, and for atfording, when desired, a drain system for the upper portions of the structure.

Another object is the provision in a rapid transit system of this class of a superstructure having a plurality of heating elements extending along the roof, or uppermost covering for retaining this covering at a temperature sullicient to melt ice and snow which may accumulate thereon, so that the structure may be free from any accumulation of this kind.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a rapid transit system of this kind of a superstructure so arranged and constructed that there may be used with the structure a plurality of rampways, stairways, elevators, escalators, where access to the elevated levels may be easily and quickly had, thus permitting passengers riding on the rolling stock which travels on the elevated levels, easy access to the various levels desired, and easy exit therefrom.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a rapid transit system of this kind of a superstructure having mooring masts for dirigibles or lighter than air machines, and means for providing suitable foundations on the structure for these mooring masts, so that a durable and efficient mooring mast may be provided at elevated position.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention will be best understood by a reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification and in which,

Fig. 1 is a side eievational view of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a. sectional view taken on substantially line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on substantially line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional View taken on substantially line 55 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional View.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on substantially line 77 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on substantially line 88 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 4 of a moditied form of the invention showing the superstructure divided and illustrating a superstructure separated and positioned over the side wall.

In the structure shown in Fig. 2, I provide a base 26 pro ecting upwardly from which are columns 27 and 28 provided with an intermediate column 29, these columns serving to support the truss provided with the laterally projecting portions 30 and 31 at opposite sides. As shown, the column 29 extends upwardly to the uppermost part of the superstructure, adjacent columns being connected by girders 32, 33, 34 and 35, the umber of these girders being varied at will, depending upon the load to be carried, and the height to which the superstructure is extended. Mounted on the truss is a slab 36 providing a passage way 37 which may be used for pedestrian traffic, a similar slab 38 being mounted on the laterally extending truss portion 30, and a similar pedestrian passage 39 is formed. Extending horizontally at opposite sides of the superstructure are trusses 40, 41 and 42, these trusses being used to connect columns 43 and 44 which project upwardly from the truss portions 30 and 31 at intervals, as clearly appears from Fig. 1.

Mounted on the lOWQlIIlOSt flange 45 of the truss 41 and the lowermost flange 46 of the tr 32 is a cross beam or truss 47 carrying a slab 48 upon which, as shown in the lowermost track in Fig. 2, is positioned the truss 49 upon which the rails 50 are mounted, these rails serving the rolling stock 51. The

structure, as illustrated, is designed particularly for electrically driven rolling stock 51, and for this purpose I provide a third rail 52 which engages the shoe 53, of the rolling stock, and it will be noted that the guide member 54 extends inwardly and downwardly as a shield to protect the third rail from the elements, the shoe 53 engaging the third rail and serving to effect the desired connections.

It will be noted, as shown in Fig. 2, that the track is carried on the lowermost flange of the girders between which it is positioned, and in this connection it may be stated that it is not absolutely necessary that this load be carried on the lowermost flange of the girders, but it is desirable that the load be carried by the girders at a point beneath or below the upper edge thereof. By position ing the structure on the cross beams 46 in this manner, it will be noted that the platform of the car lies in a horizontal plane substantially parallel with the horizontal plane of the uppermost flange of the girders, so that the flooring of the platform which is supported by the girders at the stations, as clearly appears from Fig. 3, is on the same horizontal level as the floor of the car 51, thus permitting easy entry and exit to and from the car 51.

In conducting the electrical current to the third rail 52 I have shown the cable 55 as extended through the column 29, and leading from this cable 55 are the feed wires 56 and 57 which may extend in opposite directions or in either direction, and be connected to the rail 52 at various points. By having these feed wires running horizontally from the columns through which they are led, it becomes possible to arrange a track system of this nature whereby a brazing or welding or other electrical connecting of the adjacent ends of rails may be dispensed with, as each individual rail may be connected to the feed wire.

It will be noted that the columns 27 and 28 are also hollow and extending through the column 27 is a cable 58 which may serve to conduct through the passage way 59 and upwardly through the column 43, the electric wires, thus permitting connections to be made as desired. If desired, these cables may be extended to the passages 60 which are formed in the cornices 61 extending outwardly from the roof 62.

l have formed horizontally extending passages 63 by means of the base 36 and the side walls 64 and 65, which form extensions of the columns 27 and 28 respectively, and the walls of the column 29, and through these passages may be extended electrical conductors 66 to any desired point, and it will be noted that the passages 31 leading laterally outwardly communicate with these passages 63 so that the cables being extended hori- Zontally through the passages 63 may be led outwardly and thence upwardly through the columns 43 or 44 to the desired point, thus retaining the cables in enclosed passages at all points, making their use safe so far as persons are concerned, and protecting them from the elements.

The material used in the structure is prefcrably a steel skeleton, reinforced by concrete, and in reinforcing the columns and particularly the central column 529, a suitable form should be mounted in the colunin so that when the concrete has set, there will be provided in the center of the column a suitable conduit. This conduit is in communication with the space above the slab (S8, and so as to serve as a drain outlet for condensed moisture which may form on the slab 68. A similar connection of the in the central column 29 is formed with the trough (it) for d 'ainage purpose, and sin'iilarly, the column 29 may be connected in communication with the roof 62 for drain purposes.

A cable is shown extended through the column 28, this cable 70 and the cable 58 entering a suitable housing 71, entry to which may be had through the manhole 72, and extending outwardly from the housing 71 is a cahie 73 enclosed in a suitable conduit 74-. E l ling in the opnosite direction from the ho; 71 is a cable (5 enclosed in a suitable conduit 76. It is of course evident that if the couduits 74 and '76 are not available in the particular location at which the superstructure is erected, that the extension of the cables through the passage way 60 would be most desirable and utilized.

In Fig. 3 I have shown a water pipe 77 con necting with a hydrant pipe 78 which is connected to the city supply. Extending upwardly from this hydrant pipe 78 is the hydrant outlet 79 provided with a double valve, so that when desired a tire engine may couple its pump on to the valve 79 and close communication of the pipe 78 with the source of city supply in the usual manner, and pump through another hydrant connected with the city supply so as to force the water through the pipe 77 and upwardly through the pipe 80 to the outlet 81, positioned in the housing 82 mounted on the roof (52. Various outlets may be provided in this pipe 80 at intervals, if desired.

The roof, as shown, is provided with a pair of downwardly inclined portions 88 and 84-, each of which is provided with a guide flange 85 and 86 at opposite sides, and by forming this roof in this manner on the superstructure, a landing for aeroplanes is provided, the inclined portions serving to resist side movement of the aeroplane therefrom, and the flanges 85 and 86 serving to assist in this operation.

Stairs 87 lead to inclines 88 which terminate on the platform 89 formed on the level of the slabs 36, and from this level var 'ious stairs 90 lead to the station housings or enclosures 91 and 92, so that access from the street to any of the elevations is easily accomplished.

It will be noted, as shown in Fig. 3, that the incline 88 leads from the passage sides so that it is possible for a pedestrian, by passing over the superstructure, to cross the street- 93 upon which vehicular trailic will travel. By providing the walk the pedest 'ian tratlic may travel in an enclosed passage way to any part of the city in which the. super structure has been erected, while at the same time, at suiliciently short spaces, the pedestrian traiiic may have access to either of the elevations on the superstructure.

In the form shown in Fig. 2, the lower tracks would be used for local or express trattic, and the upper set of tracks would be used for the opposite kind of traffic.

In Fig. s} I have shown a slightly modified form in which he root is dispensed with, and in which housings S31 and are mounted at opposite sides of the structure for providing passages thro e; 1 which the cables 94' and 95 may be project In this form also, it will be noted tlu... .he cent at column is eliminated, and the laterally extending beams 96 and 97 are supported on columns 98 and 99, this structure b ing most practical for use on streets where the length of the superstructure is short, and on which a landing surface cannot, with ease, be constructed.

Furthermore, this structure may also be utilized in areas where it is undesirable to have the more elaborate structure which is shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

In the drawings, and particularly in Fig. 3, I have shown steam pipes 101 whereby the roof of the structure may be maintained at a sutficient temperature to melt ice or snow which may be deposited thereon. h-en the roof dispensed with and the device used in the form shown in Fig. 4, these heating pipes may be used to heat the uppermost slab or cover, so that the cover of the superstructure remains free from an accumulation of ice or snow.

Where the form shown in Fig. 2 is used, the outer surface of the roof must be free from ice or snow, so that a landing held for aeroplanes is provided. The removal of this ice and snow as it is deposited also prevents an excessive loading of the superstructure, and thus obviates any possibility of its collapse from the excessive weight.

The structure as illustrates in Fig. 9 in the modified form is divided and separated so as to provide two parallel structures 10:? and 108 being preferably positioned directly over the side walks of the streets, and adjacent the buildings 102 and 103, so that the pedestrian walks 104 and 105 are of the same level as the second story, so that the pedestrian in shopping may do so from these walks, since the buildings will provide entrances and display windows along that level. At street intersections the pedestrian may cross by the connecting bridge 106. Stationary covers 107 and 108 are provided so that easy access may be had to the trains.

lVhile I have illustrated and described the preferred form of my invention, I do not wish to limit myself to the precise details of structure shown, but desire to avail myself of such variations and modifications as may come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. in a superstructure oi" the class described, sn 'apcrting memi'iers; a root on said supporiing members, said roof being downwardly inclin d at oppe ""te sides toward the renter tlaereoi; and a retaining flange at each outside edge of said row.

2. In a superstructure of the class described, supporting members; horizontally extending girders; a pla iforin carri d by said girders, said platform engaging said girde s at a point below the upper er; thereof, 1 '.d supporting members being orn id tubular for permitting passage of wires there ilirough; and a horizontally extendin passageway communicating with said supporting' members.

3. A superstructure of the class described eomprising: a plurality of supporting members; horizontally eXtendin girders carried '2 by said supper Eng members; a pair of spaced horizontally extending passage ways carried rders tor pedestrian trafiie; a road bed carried by said giwlers, said road bed wading: s. i girders at a point beneath the surface thereof; a landing platform, a dingy platiorm being positioned in a 1 izontal plane ab we the upper edges of said girders: and a horizontally extending nassan way formed beneath said road bed tor p: of: conduits theretbrong'h. said supporting members being tubular and comllf'ltlllfj with said passage way.

in a superstructure of the class dex'ribcd, supporting members; horizontally d i oers; a root supported by said mbers and said girders, said .terallv outwardly at opposaid super ructure.

5. in a superstructure of the class describmh a gi lurality of su porting members: horfzimtaliy ex '1; girden-s; a pair of roadb supported by said girdefis, each r. :t'u i laterally outwardly from the c or supporting members beyond the or AMBROSE LEONARD RONE. 

